Ruff around the edges: Meet Dudley pet crowned ‘UK’s scruffiest dog’
Simba from Kingswinford was named ‘Scruff of the Year’ in a competition to find the UK’s scruffiest dog.
Meet Simba who has been crowned ‘UK’s scruffiest dog’.
The red Cockapoo from Kingswinford was named ‘Scruff of the Year’ in a competition to find the UK’s scruffiest dog, beating stiff competition from hundreds of other messy mutts.
UK holiday park provider Away Resorts launched its inaugural ‘Scruffs’ competition to coincide with Crufts last month, as a way to celebrate all dogs, no matter what age or breed, and with scruffiness actively encouraged.
The competition received submissions from proud scruffy dog owners from all corners of the UK.
Six finalists were selected by a ‘pup panel’ of judges and went head-to-head in a public vote, with Simba emerging victorious, gaining the prestigious title of ‘Scruff of the Year’ along with a dog friendly staycation with Away Resorts.
Simba’s owner Zoe Swingewood said: “Simba is the happiest and muckiest boy around.
“No puddle is ever spared, no beach left unrolled on! At three and a half years old, he is an adventure-loving cockapoo bringing pure joy, personality, and cheeky mischief wherever he goes.
“We’re super happy he has been voted scruff of the year and that everyone loves him as much as we do! He will be getting a celebration doggy friendly meal today, extra belly rubs and a whole lot of love.”
The runners up, who have received a goody pack of doggy treats for being ‘pawsome’ participants included Bertie the Miniature Schnauzer from Barnstaple, Devon , Billy the Sprocker Spaniel from East Cowes, Isle of Wight, Tipi the Border Collie from Bransgore, Dorset, Mr Bogangles the Chinese Crested from Chesterfield, Derbyshire and Sid the Saluki mixed breed from Luton, Bedfordshire.
Hannah Evans, senior barketing manager at Away Resorts, said: “While we love Crufts, we wanted to do something a bit more inclusive, especially for the dogs at the scruffier end of the spectrum, by rewarding the UK’s most perfectly imperfect pooches, just for being themselves.
“It's been great fun sifting through the hundreds of entries. Thanks to everyone who got involved. We were spoiled for choice which made selecting the finalists tricky! We're grateful to the public for choosing such a worthy winner!”
Beyond the competition, Away Resorts is on a mission to create the UK’s most dog friendly holiday parks.
With fully geared up accommodation, an activity pawgramme designed to keep dogs busy on their holidays, dog menus available in its restaurants and bars and epic dog walks nearby.
Away Resorts is offering free stays for dogs from May 1 - June 30. To browse dog friendly stays head here.
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